Chapter 2 I AM NOT YOUR SON

"This is my assistant Mr. Leonard Smith, Frost said.

"Please call me Mr. V," the host said.

Leo handed over the file he had brought to Frost so that the meeting could commence. He didn't know how long he was going to last with all that tantalizing and mouth-watering scent drifting up his nose and he just hoped that this was going to be a very short meeting.

"Mr.V, as we had talked over the phone, I am going after the Genex project and I need a partner for this cause it's a huge investment that cannot be handled by just one company".

"As you know, the government requires that the company taking this project gives 80% capital upfront so that they can get the 20% from the government.

"My company has 50% that it can invest and I'm hoping that we can collaborate on this project. This means that if you are willing then you can give the 30% remaining so we can start working as soon as possible."

Mr.V listened quietly, nodding here and there as Frost explained the details of the project. He looked at the spreadsheet laid on the table and kept referring back to the documents to verify everything that was being said.

For Mr. V to get to where he was, he had learned to be a quiet listener but a quick learner, picking important details and knowing the pros and cons within minutes of a business transaction.

As they were busy negotiating, the footsteps of the receptionist's high heels were heard as she came off the lift. The men's heads rose only for Frost to go stiff releasing a very cold aura that shook Leo.

Frost looked up, his eyes turning red with anger. He slowly rose, causing Leo to jump up from his seat too as he recognized who the receptionist was ushering in.

Mr. V stood up and went towards the visitor with extended hands. "Mr. Pierce, it is so good of you to join us. Please, have a seat", he said as the two men shook hands in greetings.

Mr. Tom Pierce turned and faced Frost, not sure of how Frost would react to his presence. "Son, how have you been?" he asked only to be met by a glare.

Frost didn't answer a thing and just stood coldly with his arms stiffened by his sides. After taking in a deep breath to get his emotions in check, he asked "What the hell are you doing here?"

Mr. V, not sure of what was going on stood in between them while Leo tried pulling his boss away, fearing an ugly confrontation that was bound to take place. Frost stood firmly on his spot wanting to throw a punch at anything, anyone.

Mr. Pierce knew he had to cool down the situation somehow so he tried explaining to the young man.

"Listen, son, Mr. V and I are old comrades and he owns this hotel. He is also an influential businessman as you know. When I heard that you were seeking an investor for your project, I approached him and requested that he helps you with this. I know it is not in my place to do so but you are my son and I want to help you"

Frost tightened his knuckles together wanting to hit the man in front of him. Leo, nudged him, giving him a warning for him to remember where and why they were there.

Poor Mr. V had no idea what was going on and could only stare at the two men who seemed to be at odds with each other. He never in his wildest dreams imagined that his old-time friend had problems with his eldest son.

Whenever they met up, his friend would always boast of his son's achievements and held him in high esteem. What was happening now was beyond his comprehension. Could it be that father and son were estranged and he didn't know of this?

A slight smile twitched on his face. Here he was, always lamenting over his son's inability to do business yet his friend was in an even worse situation.

Frost fiercely looked at his father and in a terrifyingly low growl said, "I AM NOT YOUR SON AND YOU WILL NEVER BE MY FATHER!!".

With that, he walked out without sparing anyone a glance. Leo had to quickly collect the documents they came with and after giving a hurried apology, ran after his boss.

Mr. Pierce, who was too shaken by what his son said, felt his knees give way. Luckily Mr. V reacted quickly and caught him before falling. He guided his friend to a seat and gave him a glass of water, hoping to cool down his anxiety.

He then silently waited for Tom to explain.

"I never thought that even after fifteen years, my son would still not want to see me. I am so sorry for any embarrassment that I have caused you today, my old friend", said Tom with a deep regretful sigh.

Leo rushed up and caught up with Frost before reaching the elevator. He didn't say a word because he knew the extent of his boss's temper. All through to the car, Frost was enveloped by a heavy coldness that made Leo shiver.

As soon as the driver saw them exit the building, he got out of the car and opened the door for Frost. Leo got in the front seat and immediately turned the AC on to dissipate the cold. Even the driver felt that something wasn't right.

"Take me to the club" he ordered and the silent journey began.

Leo had no idea how Mr. Pierce came about the meeting and Mr. V didn't tell him anything about a third party when they were planning for the meeting. He just hoped that today's episode wouldn't fall on his head.

Back in Frost's house, the doctor was trying to convince the young lady to take her medicine but she refused to indulge her. Shaking her head vigorously, she behaved like a small child despite the doctor's coaxing.

Vexed, Doctor Weister decided to call Leo to report the latest development. She knew that if the patient refused to take her medication on time then it would mess with her mental system and they still needed to figure out who she was and what had happened to her.

Leo picked up the phone as soon as it vibrated, not wanting to disturb Frost who had his eyes tightly shut. After hearing the situation at hand, he told the doctor that he would be there in twenty minutes.